BACKGROUND:Retinal Vein Occlusion(RVO) is a multifactorial, with many systemic and ocular risk factors.The incidence of RVO has increased with increased life expectancy and increased incidence of risk factors. AIM:This study was done to determine the demographic characteristics and risk factors in a tertiary care hospital in South India. METHODS:100 consecutive newly diagnosed cases of RVO were included in the study. A detailed history, complete ophthalmic examination and systemic evaluation was done. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were aged more than 60 years(55%) with male preponderance(54%).The study also found that RVO was strongly associated with increasing age.Hypertension,dyslipidemia,diabetes mellitus,smoking and hyperhomocysteinemia were important systemic risk factors.Glaucoma was an important ocular risk factor.BRVO is the most common type of RVO. CONCLUSION:RVO is associated with many systemic and ocular diseases.Identifying and managing these risk factors help in preventing a second attack in either eye and thereby the visual morbidity.